Hello - I’m Dr. Umar Malik – welcome to another video by medsimplified
IN this video we will talk about Natural Remedies for PCOS aka polycystic ovarian syndrome.
PCOS is a condition in which a woman’s ovaries and adrenal glands produce more androgens
than usual. You may be confused that Androgens are male hormones.
But androgens are produced in females as well – however in very minute quantities.
So- while all women produce some androgens, women with PCOS have higher levels of these
male hormones, leading to increased hair growth, acne and weight gain.
This condition can also cause irregular periods and can be associated with infertility and
an increased risk of miscarriage. PCOS is also linked with metabolic syndrome,
diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, uterine cysts, and increased
risk of endometrial cancer and osteoporosis. It is estimated that PCOS affects five million
women in the U.S. alone, and it can wreak havoc on your hormones and yet it still doesn’t
have a known definite cure. so, Now what?
While it is possible for women to successfully manage their symptoms solely with medication,
hormone therapy or even surgery, if you’re looking for alternatives to traditional treatments,
there are several evidence-based therapeutics that have been shown to be effective.
So, in this video we will take a look at some natural methods to help manage your PCOS symptoms:
However, it is prudent to collaborate a treatment plan with your doctor before you start any
treatments on your own. Well with that said, – let’s begin.
1. Be strategic with your calories and diet.
One study indicates that caloric intake timing can have a big impact on glucose, insulin
and testosterone levels. Lowering insulin could potentially help with
infertility issues. Women with PCOS who ate the majority of their
daily calories at breakfast for 12 weeks, significantly improved their insulin and glucose
levels, as well as decreased testosterone levels by 50 percent, compared to women who
consumed their largest meals at dinnertime. The effective diet consisted of a 980-calorie
breakfast, a 640-calorie lunch, and a 190-calorie dinner.
Also, Women with PCOS have been shown to have higher levels of advanced glycation end products
or (AGEs) in their blood. AGEs are compounds which are formed when glucose
binds with proteins, and scientists believe that these contribute to certain degenerative
diseases and aging. One small study found that cutting down on
dietary AGEs significantly reduced insulin levels in women with PCOS.
Foods high in AGEs include animal-derived foods and processed foods.
Applying high heat in form of grilling, searing or roasting increases the levels of AGE’s
in your diet. You can avoid these and turn to more healthy
diets including raw veggies, minimally fried and nutrient rich food which will better control
your hormone and insulin levels.
2. vitamin D and calcium.
A case control study examined 100 infertile women with PCOS and found that those who supplemented
their PCOS medications with calcium and vitamin D saw improvements in BMI, menstrual abnormalities,
and other symptoms. The women in the study added 1,000 mg of calcium
a day and 100,000 IU of vitamin D a month to their daily metformin dose for six months.
Vitamin D and calcium will not only help in improving your pcos symptoms – they will
also improve your heart health, bone health, brain health and muscle health.
3. magnesium.
Many women with PCOS exhibit risk factors of heart disease and other problems like diabetes
and stroke. Low magnesium levels are often associated
with diabetes, and some research indicates that a dietary supplement of magnesium may
improve insulin sensitivity, a very important factor in the development of type 2 diabetes
and PCOS. One study found that overweight, insulin-resistant
subjects who received 300 mg of magnesium at bedtime showed a significant improvement
in fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, compared to subjects who received nothing.
4. Increase your chromium.
Chromium is an essential mineral that helps the body regulate insulin and blood sugar
levels. Research suggests that chromium supplements
can help people with diabetes by lowering their blood glucose levels.
One such study examined the role of chromium in women with PCOS. The results indicated
that 200 microgram of chromium picolinate daily, significantly reduced fasting blood
sugar and insulin levels in patients — enough that the effects were comparable to drugs
such as metformin. While metformin is considered as the cornerstone
of treatment for PCOS, taking a daily dose of 200 microgram of chromium picolinate could
help regulate blood sugar levels.
5. omega-3s.
Fish oil has been associated with a long list of health benefits, and some research indicates
that omega-3 supplements can decrease androgen levels in women with PCOS.
One study found that women with PCOS who were given three grams of omega-3 a day for eight
weeks, had lower testosterone levels and were more likely to resume regular periods than
subjects, who received a placebo. Findings show omega-3 fatty acids may help
to: • Lower blood pressure
• Reduce triglycerides • Slow the development of plaque in the
arteries • Reduce the chance of abnormal heart rhythm
• Reduce the likelihood of heart attack and stroke
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that everyone should eat fish (particularly
fatty fish) at least twice a week. Salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, lake
trout, and tuna are especially high in omega-3 fatty acids.
But that is not practically possible for everyone – so fish oil supplements are an easier
and cheaper alternative. I will leave links to few good supplements
containing magnesium, chromium and fish oils in the description box below.
Well friends, with this we come to the end of our video.
I hope we taught you something about pcos and how to manage it.
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